Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 9, Number 12, 1 Kekemapa 1992 — Women in politics — what next? [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Women in politics — what next?

by Rowena Akana Trustee-at-large

Well, it's over: anotber election year gone by and we all have to take responsibility for is what is left to compre-

hend in the outcome. There must be many mixed emotions from all factions, groups and parties as final results are reviewed and scrutinized. I have an overwhelming sense of disappointment and sorrow as 1 see the grim reality that only 464, (XX) voters were registered in the general election, and of that number only about 382,000 bothered to turn out to vote. The turnout for OHA was even less, with about 68,000 registered and 51,029 voting. When you consider that 130,000 are eligible to vote, these figures are very discouraging. I can't express it enough, our vote is our voice. As we begin to feel the reality of the sways and changes of the newly-elected leaders we have permitted to sail into office with a fraction of public support, I wonder what new worries, complaints and argu-

ments I will hear as 1 eonhnue to journey through the communities of this state. lf even a presidential election year cannot bring out voters, what will? As Grace Hansen says: "...be

afraid it will never begin." We, the people are ultimately responsible for who we permit to take

office. By not voting we are paralyzing the one right we have that gives us a voice. The elections themselves were a debacle of dirty-politicking, back-bit-ing, mud-slinging and name-calling. It was almost painful to watch. Even right here at home in OHA, the oiled maehine was well at work as factions within the OHA board lined up against a strong, honest and hardworking incumbent who had years of dedication and skills behind his eampaign. There have eome to be no limits on what is considered acceptable in campaiging for victory. The one saving grace in all of this is the potential applieauon of the eoncept of ethics. What is ethically acceptable? What is ethically moral? What is, indeed, considered ethical behavior? I know I, for one, found the poliueal behavior inside OHA to be in the poorest of taste and lacking in integri-

ty. There must be people within the system willing to speak out against the injustice, the poor behavior and the unethical pracUce. I keep believing if light is shed upon the wrongs of

the system, people will begin to unite in a strong desire to change the i 1 1 s of the

one plaee that should give them hope. What is the reason for the low turnout? Do people feel apathetic? Disgusted by the system? Were there problems at the polls in getUng ballots? What? I so mueh want to know how to help people realize the potenUal power they ean have as a united voting block. There are 130,000 potenUal Hawaiian voters. This would have been enough to change the outeome of an\ of the elecrions from city, to county to state to federal. While it seems so easy to poke fun at the system and blame the system for failures in society, it is the only system we have. We need to find the courage to work within that is there and the sfi-ength to change what we don't like. I can't help but feel that maybe somehow we are failing as elected public leaders to emphasize the value of your input in the governmental process. Accountability is the overriding

force Uiat keeps politicians aware of the public presence. When the public lets off pressure, the politicians push their limits of power. Keep a strong, watchful and quizzical eye as this new force of power moves into office at all levels of government. Be a part of your future and your government. By taking a responsible and acfive ciUzen's role in government, maybe I will one day hear good comments in the communiUes about what is being done that is good and right for the people. On the positive side, the gains women have made in leadership roles are encouraging. The OHA board will feel a semblance of balance it has never before experienced. With four women in office, concerns of family, heahh and child care cannot go unnoticed. The new game in town is fair and equal examinafion of the issues. I urge you to take part in the process, it will be new and exciUng. It is never too late to take control of your future. The eleeUon of 1994 is just around the corner and registering to vote is so easy. Just contact the Government Affairs Office here at OHA. Remember, don't be afraid your life will end. be responsible for making it begin. Aloha!

OHA Trustee's Views Ka mana 'o o nū Kahu Waiwai pūkahi

(This eolumn is open to all OHA trustees to express their individual views and does not necessarily represent the official position of the OHA board of trustees.)

"Don'l be afraid your life will end: be afraid it will never begin. " Grace Hansen